CEBU, Philippines - The Traslacion committee in Mandaue City yesterday clarified that the event and the foot procession during the send-off ceremony for the images of the Blessed Sto. Niño and the Virgen dela Guadalupe is a not political event and should be spared from any political activity.
The committee’s clarification came in connection with a tent that was put up along the procession’s route bearing the name of a politician.
Mario Advincula, president of the National Shrine of St. Joseph, said politicians are allowed to join the procession but are discouraged from putting up “advertisements.â€
The committee said there is also a need for coordination with counterparts in Cebu City regarding the rigid adherence to rules about schedules so as to prevent delays.
As to balloons, the committee would discourage the release of balloons next year.
Many balloons that were released during the traslacion got entangled in electric wires which caused power in barangay Tipolo to trip off.
Fireworks are allowed for as long as these are not displayed along the procession route.
Next year, the procession might take a new route considering that the route taken this year is narrow for traffic to flow smoothly.
The proposed new route would start from the shrine to Mandaue City Central School or Catalino Ouano St., turn right to Plaridel St., left turn to A. Soriano St. then right turn to the wharf. (FREEMAN)